Two Liverpool Range firefighters who joined the Rural Fire Service in the 1950s were among 55 volunteers honoured for long service at a ceremony in Merriwa this week.
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Assistant Commissioner Dr Leigh Pilkington presented 55 Long Service Medals on Thursday, 24 September, to volunteers who have served the Liverpool Range District. The Liverpool Range District is based in Quirindi and covers the Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah, and Upper Hunter shires.
Together, the medals represent more than 1,700 years of service.
“With years ranging from 50 to 70 years, many of these volunteers have devoted a significant portion of their lives to protecting others,” Assistant Commissioner Pilkington said.
“Among those being honoured is Ean Cottle and Keith Leven, whose more than seven decades of service exemplify the selflessness and strength of the RFS spirit.”
Mr Cottle joined the RFS in 1956 and Mr Leven in 1951. Both have remained active members of their brigades.
“Ean’s service includes numerous leadership and operational roles, including Captain, Senior Deputy Captain, Group Captain, Deputy Group Captain, Brigade President, Brigade Treasurer, Permit Officer, IMT Officer and SMT Member,” Assistant Commissioner Pilkington said.
Mr Leven started out with the Turill Brigade.
“Keith has provided more than 70 years of dedicated service to the Turill Brigade, where he joined in 1951 and later continuing his service with Cassilis Brigade,” Assistant Commissioner Pilkington said.
“Throughout his remarkable service, Keith has undertaken numerous leadership and operational roles, including Captain, Senior Deputy Captain, Deputy Captain and Permit Officer.”
Assistant Commissioner Pilkington said the volunteers did not do the work for praise, but their bravery and commitment deserved to be recognised.
“Their unwavering commitment to volunteer service, brigade operations and community safety has made a significant and lasting contribution to the NSW Rural Fire Service and the communities they’ve served,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the people behind the volunteers.
“I also acknowledge those who support volunteers in what they do – the family, friends, employers and colleagues,” Assistant Commissioner Pilkington said.
“We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and protect property.”
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